"Being a World Champion requires a dignified approach to everything, so putting aside the language, even the sentiment is inappropriate," Dennis told Sky Sports.

"The simple fact is if he was sat in a Mercedes he would be extremely happy, and I'm quite sure any four or five-letter words would be more of joy.

"He should reflect on the fact he has had a period of dominance, and just because that dominance is being shaken by Mercedes, it doesn't give him the licence to be disrespectful of the obligations placed on him."